Weekly devotion: Rooted in Faith, Growing in Action
Young Climate Leaders in Ankawa, Iraq
Beyond the headlines about war and refugees, communities in the Middle East face another challenge – the devastating effects of climate change. This week, we pray for the Ankawa Humanitarian Committee near Erbil, Iraq, which is inspiring the younger generation to take action.
Iraq’s teenagers were born into war and upheaval. They have witnessed the defeat of the Islamic State and helped their parents rebuild the homes and communities destroyed by the violence. They are the future leaders of their country, but even though Iraq is now relatively peaceful, another threat looms – the impact of climate change. The loss of farmland to desert is likely to endanger food security, increase the risk of further displacement and conflict, and affect the population’s health.
In Ankawa, a mostly Christian community just north of the city of Erbil, the younger generation is stepping up to tackle this threat. With Embrace’s support, the Ankawa Humanitarian Committee has launched a Climate Leaders project for school students aged 12-15 years. The project raises awareness about environmental issues and trains young people to launch practical initiatives in school and the wider community. From reducing waste to promoting greener habits among their families, they are becoming ambassadors for change.
The students learn how to write proposals for climate initiatives, thinking about all the long-term needs and challenges that might arise. They then put their plans into action, learning how to problem-solve and develop leadership skills as they go along.
The young Climate Leaders have already started a tree-planting campaign in Ankawa’s public parks, showing the community that simple, positive acts can improve the environment now and for future generations.
Bible reading
‘Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.’
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Thought
The tree planted by the water, resilient and green even in the heat, is a powerful image from Jeremiah. The tree experiences the blazing sun and the drought, but it survives and bears fruit because its roots run deep. In a time of rising temperatures and environmental strain, this passage reminds us that resilience comes from being rooted in God rather than in fear or apathy. The tree-planting campaign in Ankawa is an important practical project, but it is also a symbolic declaration that life can flourish even after conflict and hardship. When faced with news of the climate crisis, it is easy to feel helpless and too small to make a difference. By trusting in the Lord, however, each of us can find our own way to care for his Earth.
Ask yourself: In what ways could you honour God’s creation this week and beyond?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Like the tree planted near water, help us to stay rooted and unafraid in difficult seasons. Bless the young people and teachers taking part in Ankawa Humanitarian Committee’s Climate Leaders project, and may they influence others to act now for Iraq’s future.
May the trees they plant and the initiatives they lead become signs of hope and renewal in their community. Teach us, too, to respond with faith and action to the climate crisis, growing in courage and responsibility as we trust in you.
Amen.
More ways to plant for the future
Planting olive trees in the West Bank is an act of solidarity, enabling Palestinian farmers to remain rooted in their ancestral land.
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