International Rescue Committee

On August 15th the Taliban swept through Afghanistan taking control of the nation, leaving Afghans desperate for escape in a horrific humanitarian crisis. The escalating conflict has led to the displacement of hundreds and thousands of people. Cities, roads, regions and the capital city, Kabul, has swiftly been taken over by the Taliban.

Despite many years of humanitarian aid, Afghanistans government has struggled to provide clean water, electricity, safe roads and evacuation services for its people. As a result, 18.4 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian support. Civilian casualties in Afghanistan reached record levels in the first half of 2021, rising sharply with the start of the U.S military withdrawal on May 1st. Women and children are increasingly bearing the brunt of the conflict as many are subjected to violence, abuse and forced labour.

Myself and Abigail will be running 70km from Tyndrum to Fortwilliam this weekend (28th & 29th) to raise money for the International Rescue Committee, which provide vital support to Afghans who have endured four decades of violent conflict, as well as natural disasters and the spread of COVID-19. The IRC began work in Afghanistan in 1988 launching relief programs for displaced people. They continued to provide aid under Taliban rule and expanded community development projects after the Taliban was ousted. They now work with thousands of villages across nine provinces, with Afghans making up 99% of IRC staff in the country.

The IRC provides uprooted families with tents, clean water and other basic necessities. They also provide safe learning spaces in rural areas and help people find employment within local communities, to plan and manage their own development projects.

Our goal is to raise £1,000 for the IRC over the weekend and it would mean so much if you could pray with us and donate. It is hard to imagine such pain and devastation living in the comforts of life here in the UK, but we believe in a God who is close to the brokenhearted and we fight with Him to see Heaven come on Earth.

With love,

Merryn & Abigail x