An Update from Ripple Effect ~ Ann Hatton

I’m Ann Hatton, and I’m the Community Manager at Ripple Effect. I want to thank everyone at St Luke’s for your amazing support over many years, both through prayer and financially.

It is your support that brings about transformation in the lives of families and whole communities living on the front line of the climate crisis in rural Africa. I thought I’d share an inspiring story with you to show the difference your support is making.

And remember, for every family we work with, many more will benefit through the sharing of skills, tools and knowledge with others in the community.

A story of growth and resilience:Priscillah, Dixon and their family

“My Name’s Priscillah, and I live in West Pokot, Kenya with my husband Dixon, five children and two grandchildren.

Not long ago, life was very difficult for us. The challenges we faced were the unreliable climate, and we didn’t know how to cope with it. We didn’t have the knowledge or access to a good variety of seeds. We also didn’t know how to plan our land or where to put what. We didn’t understand that there was potential to get so much income from what we had.

Through Ripple Effect’s training, I learned how to plan my land better, improve my soil, and manage water more effectively. Today, everything has changed.

Now I grow a wide variety of crops, including sweet potatoes, peas, legumes, and avocados. My land is carefully organised so that I can have continuous harvests throughout the year. I like growing nuts as it helps me meet the six food categories.

Growing a variety of crops has improved my soil and strengthened my family’s nutrition. Sweet potatoes are now a daily staple in our home, and I make sure that everything from the harvest is used so nothing goes to waste.

With irrigation from a nearby river and improved composting techniques, I am able to grow vegetables even during the dry season, when food used to be scarce.

This improved harvest has changed our family life. We now eat a wider variety of nutritious foods, and my children are healthier and better nourished.

Our income has also increased through the sale of surplus produce, helping us meet our essential needs. We don’t have any financial constraints these days.

My husband Dixon has also seen the change. He recognises both the improved harvest and my growing confidence and leadership. Together, we are building a more secure future from our land.”

Please do continue to pray for our work.

Here’s a prayer from Bishop Ruth Worsley, one of our patrons:

Creator God, we thank you for the world you have made and entrusted to our care. Forgive us that we take so much for granted and that our actions have often caused and exacerbated the current climate crisis. We are sorry that we have neglected our part in working with you to tend and nurture all you have given us.

We pray for those most affected by environmental change. We particularly hold in our prayers those sisters and brothers who have had to adapt their farming practices to accommodate the climate challenges they face. We remember each one of the farmers we work with who have developed new skills and expertise in a changing environment. Thank you for their enthusiasm and desire to share their knowledge with others.

We pray for all those within our Ripple Effect team both here in the UK and abroad. As we embrace new ways of working together, we ask for hope to be renewed and resilience for the journey ahead.

And Lord as we pray together with all those who share your passion for our world and the work of Ripple Effect, may we know the ripples of your grace and love extending to each one of us, as we seek to live in faith, joy and hope for all you long to give us.

Amen