Christian Aid celebrates 80 years with climate crisis campaign focused on Guatemala

Every May, churches across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland hold a huge variety of fundraising events, making Christian Aid Week one of the biggest acts of Christian witness in Britain and Ireland. This May, Christian Aid also marks 80 years since it was founded in 1945.

During Christian Aid Week (11-17 May) there are seven days to make a difference and that's exactly what our amazing supporters in Wales are doing! By walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, praising, baking, making, selling, holding quizzes, and much more! Our enthusiasm can empower positive steps in the campaign against poverty and injustice.

This year's Christian Aid Week stories take us to Guatemala, a country that is dealing with huge challenges. The community's livelihood, traditions and survival are threatened by the deadly drought, savage storms and industrial plantations that monopolize the water supply and deforest the land.

The climate crisis is causing the dry and rainy seasons, which would once arrive at predictable times, to intensify and change irregularly. As a result, vital crops fail, meaning that farming families, like Aurelia's, face hunger and poverty. Aurelia is very concerned about the amount of produce she will have to consume and sell: ‘Climate change has been killing our crops, and this is our food’ she says.

But the unstoppable power of hope is in the hands of farmers like Aurelia, who’s leading her community to overcome these challenges. When Aurelia found our partner, Congcoop, she signed up to receive the specialized agricultural training that was available.

With the support of Congcoop, Aurelia has learned how to adapt her farming to the changing climate. She now produces fertiliser, builds rainwater collection systems and grows climate-resistant crops such as cacao to make chocolate products to sell in a local market. ‘I feel very joyful and grateful when I'm preparing chocolate’ says Aurelia. ‘I make cocoa products with all my heart! Perhaps that’s why they have such a good flavour!’

By changing the way she farms, Aurelia is fighting the climate crisis and restoring her family's food security. She also leads her community by sharing the skills and knowledge she has developed.

With the support of Congcoop, Aurelia has learned how to adapt her farming to the changing climate. She now produces fertiliser, builds rainwater collection systems and grows climate-resistant crops such as cacao to make chocolate products to sell in a local market. ‘I feel very joyful and grateful when I'm preparing chocolate’ says Aurelia. ‘I make cocoa products with all my heart! Perhaps that’s why they have such a good flavour!’

Head of Christian Aid Wales, Mari McNeill said, ’Your support means we can continue to work with partners and communities around the world, supporting people living in poverty to develop livelihoods for a brighter, more secure future, and addressing the root causes of poverty and injustice. Together, we are harnessing the unstoppable power of hope.’

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, said: 'Throughout this week, people across the country come together through community events and collective action to help create lasting change in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. This year, Christian Aid’s focus turns to Guatemala. As followers of Christ, we are called to be disciples, stewards, and fishers of people. We are entrusted with a sacred duty: to speak up for those whose voices are not heard, and to reflect the compassion and love of Jesus to our global neighbours. May this week be a powerful reminder of the difference we can make—through prayer, through giving, and through action. Will you join me in standing alongside our brothers and sisters in Guatemala?'

During Christian Aid Week, we all have seven days to make a difference and our resources are perfect to help you plan your Christian Aid Week activities. The resources, including our well-known red envelopes, daily devotion, posters, banners, order of service, prayers, all-ages worship, children's activity sheet, petition sheet and more, are available to order and download. Visit caweek.org/Resources to explore what’s available.

Let's support our global neighbours, your contribution - whether by donating, campaigning or praying - will bring us closer to creating a world where we can all thrive. Let's make Christian Aid Week a powerful demonstration of love and service. For more information visit caweek.org.

Remember to share any news, events or posts during the week by using the hashtag #CAWeek on Facebook and X!

Remember you can also contact the Wales team on 029 2084 4646 or wales@christian-aid.org.

We have seven days, and together, we will make a difference.